KamiKowa: That Time I Got Transmigrated With A Broken Goddess

Xavier stepped into the hallway, pulling his apartment door closed behind him. The soft click of the lock echoed in the carpeted corridor, and he turned toward the elevator, already thinking about what kind of ramen would pair best with Calypso’s current mood. "Holy shit, Xavier!"

He jerked his head up, nearly dropping his keys. Aurora Fitzgerald stood outside apartment 1105, directly across from his own door. Her crimson hair was pulled back in a high ponytail that swayed as she turned, and she wore a sports bra and leggings that showed off her athletic build. The relief on her face was so obvious it made Xavier feel like an ass.

"Aurora. I... didn’t expect to see you here."

"I live here, you absolute walnut." She crossed her arms, though her golden eyes held more amusement than irritation. "Right across the hall from you. Ring any bells?"

Xavier rubbed the back of his head, feeling heat creep up his neck. "Right. Yeah, that’s... that’s my bad."

"I was starting to think I said something wrong when we met," Aurora continued, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "You walked past me at school like I was invisible. I mean, I know I can be a lot, but damn."

"My memory’s been absolute garbage lately," he said, trying to inject some levity into his voice. "I once forgot my own name for five minutes. Had to check my ID to remember if I was Xavier or just some guy who stole his clothes."

Aurora’s laugh was immediate, transforming her whole face. "You’re such a fucking disaster. I love it."